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Message: <blockquote data-quote="OnlineDM" data-source="post: 5444960" data-attributes="member: 90804">I run a game in MapTool every Friday night (guess I should get back to prep work pretty soon here...) and I've also run some games in the Virtual Table. MapTool is far better right now just because you can do more stuff with it - import maps, draw better maps, import images for tokens, write custom macros, etc.However, I do expect the Virtual Table to eventually surpass MapTool for 4e online play. The keys to that happening will be:<ul> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">Integrated character import from Character Builder</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">Integrated monster import from Monster Builder</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">Map image importability / better tools for drawing your own maps</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">General UI improvements</li> </ul>I expect the Virtual Table to have those things eventually, though it will take some time. The big obstacle, then will be pricing. MapTool is free. The absolute cheapest the Virtual Table could realistically be is free for players, while the DM would need a DDI subscription. I tend to subscribe to the theory that there will end up being multiple tiers of DDI subscription - one that's like today's (the Player Tier) which will let you PLAY in Virtual Table games, and then a higher tier (the DM Tier) that will give you access to the Monster Builder and the ability to RUN Virtual Table Games. I also worry that microtransactions are going to be a part of the Virtual Table - pay for each monster, pay for each PC, pay for each Dungeon Tile set, etc.If WotC makes Virtual Table a free part of a DDI subscription, with full import capabilities, I think it could end up being a big success. Remember that they look to their other big success, Magic: The Gathering, for business inspiration, and Magic Online is very successful. That game relies on microtransactions, though - you buy virtual packs of cards. I will be sad, though not surprised, if WotC does something similar with Virtual Table. Either pay per token or pay per game or something like that.</blockquote>

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